Finding Functional Skills in Other Qualifications: Clues, Tips and Activities’

What are Functional Skills? Functional skills are practical skills in English, information and communication technology (ICT) and mathematics that allow individuals to work confidently, effectively and independently in life.

Functional Skills Structure Available at Entry 1, 2, 3 and Level 1 and 2 in English, Mathematics and ICT Entry level PLUS L1 and 2 Speaking, Listening and Communication internally marked and externally verified Level 1 and 2 Reading, Writing, Mathematics and ICT externally set and marked At Entry level centres may use NOCN assessments, contextualise them or write their own

How are they assessed? No portfolios Single summative assessment with short tasks Each assessment based around a broad theme Supervised conditions at Entry Exam conditions L1/2 Assess mastery Entry level 1 very tutor mediated – limited writing Mark schemes indicate level of support allowed

Finding Functional Skills in other NOCN Qualifications Independent Living Qualifications: Available at Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 only Suitable for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities under the Foundation Learning Independent Living Strand. Portfolio based Internally set and marked assessments Allow for individualised learning programmes

Independent Living (2) Units split into six themes: –Household Skills –Personal Development –Accessing Community Facilities –Rights and Responsibilities –Personal Care –Leisure Similar themes to Functional Skills.

Step Up Available at Entry 3 and Level 1 Same approaches to assessment as Independent Living Different size qualifications can be built up Allows for spiky profiles (units available up to Level 2) If using for full Foundation Learning programme, learners must also do Functional Skills at the appropriate level Step Up/Independent Living can be used to underpin Functional Skills (although they are assessed separately and are different qualifications)

Activity Look at the units from Step Up and Independent Living. Identify how you could support English, Maths and ICT skills in each of them. Look at the Functional Skills standards. Can you map the skills you have identified to the standards?

Using realia Look at the resources you have been given How could you use them to ensure that they are relevant to both the unit and to provide underpinning of Functional Skills? What activities could you use them for?

Using Functional Skills Sample Assessments Look at the E3 Functional Skills sample papers. How could you use them to cover any of the assessment criteria from the units you have looked at?

Key Messages Functional Skills need to be taught. Different assessment method so important to use a range of contexts to practice the skills. Provide a thorough grounding of Maths, English and ICT through underpinning in other foundation learning units.

And Finally Use every opportunity to explore Maths, English and ICT in a wide range of contexts. Be creative in terms of meeting assessment criteria. Consider writing your own Functional Skills assessments based around something you are doing for Foundation Learning. Make Functional Skills activities problem solving and applied to every day situations.